Method and system for decoupling a capillary column from a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) system

Abstract

A column-sealing tool is provided for use during decoupling of a capillary column from a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) system. The column-sealing tool includes an engagement structure for removably securing the column-sealing tool within a high vacuum enclosure of the GC-MS system, at a location between a high vacuum end of a transfer line and a mass analyzer of the GC-MS system. Additionally, the column-sealing tool includes a sealing element that is actuatable between a non-sealing position and a sealing position. During use the sealing element forms a secondary vacuum seal with the first end of the transfer line when the column-sealing tool is inserted into the GC-MS system and when the sealing element is in the sealing position.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A column-sealing tool for use during decoupling of a capillary column from a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) system, the column-sealing tool comprising;
 an engagement structure for removably securing the column-sealing tool within a high vacuum enclosure of the GC-MS system and at a location between a high vacuum end of a transfer line and a mass analyzer of the GC-MS system; and 
 a sealing element that is actuatable between a non-sealing position and a sealing position; 
 
       wherein the sealing element is disposed for forming a secondary vacuum seal with a first end of the transfer line when the column-sealing tool is inserted into the GC-MS system and when the sealing element is in the sealing position. 
     
     
       2. The column-sealing tool of  claim 1 , wherein the sealing element is fabricated from a material selected from the group consisting of: silicone rubber, a fluorinated elastomer, and a polyimide. 
     
     
       3. The column-sealing tool of  claim 1 , comprising an actuator for selectably actuating the sealing element between the non-sealing position and the sealing position. 
     
     
       4. The column-sealing tool of  claim 3 , wherein the actuator is a linear actuator comprising a cam mechanism, and wherein actuating the sealing element between the non-sealing position and the sealing position comprises compressing the sealing element along a longitudinal axis of the column-sealing tool such that the sealing element undergoes an elongation in a direction that is normal to the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
       5. The column-sealing tool of  claim 4 , wherein the cam mechanism comprises a stationary cam and a moving cam that is rotatable relative to the stationary cam, and wherein rotating the moving cam changes a spacing between the stationary cam and the moving cam along the longitudinal direction. 
     
     
       6. The column-sealing tool of  claim 3 , wherein the actuator is a rotational actuator comprising a cam mechanism, and wherein actuating the sealing element between the non-sealing position and the sealing position comprises deflecting the sealing element outwardly along a radial direction. 
     
     
       7. The column-sealing tool of  claim 1 , wherein the engagement structure comprises first ramped-tab structures disposed at one end of the column-sealing tool for engaging with complementary second ramped-tab structures of the GC-MS system, wherein the sealing element is mounted on a shaft of the column-sealing tool, and wherein the column-sealing tool is rotated during insertion to drive the first ramped-tab structures under the second ramped-tab structures such that the sealing element is compressed along a longitudinal direction parallel to the shaft and undergoes an elongation in a direction that is normal to the longitudinal direction. 
     
     
       8. The column-sealing tool of  claim 1 , wherein the sealing element comprises a wheel-shaped structure mounted to a body of the column-sealing tool via an axle structure, the wheel-shaped structure being rotatable about the axle-structure. 
     
     
       9. A column-sealing tool for use during decoupling of a capillary column from a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) system, the column-sealing tool comprising;
 an engagement structure for removably securing the column-sealing tool within a high vacuum enclosure of the GC-MS system and at a location between a high vacuum end of a transfer line and a mass analyzer of the GC-MS system; and 
 a wheel-shaped sealing element rotatably mounted to a body of the column-sealing tool via an axle structure; 
 wherein the sealing element is disposed for forming a secondary vacuum seal with a first end of the transfer line when the column-sealing tool is inserted into the GC-MS system and when the sealing element is in the sealing position.